Here are four ways to improve your flexibility

1. TOOLS

Every single body on the planet should invest in a foam roller or similar tools. If you are not sure what a foam roller is, try to image a firm cylindrical tube that is made of high density foam. This tool allows for muscle tension release by placing the roller underneath your hamstring and rolling back and forth on it. The foam roller allows for increased blood flow to that region and warms up the muscles. You will often find that in certain areas it is fairly painful; these are called knots within the muscle and will limit range of motion. Foam rollers are great for pre-game warm-ups and post-game recovery.

2. YOGA

It is often frowned upon for a guy to be found performing the “face down dog” in a yoga studio but you need to overcome your fears because yoga teaches you to breathe, improves your range of motion, improves muscle strength and elasticity. The cool part about yoga is that you often find yourself upside down seeing the world from a different perspective, this too has benefits to your system.

3. MASSAGE THERAPIST

Yes, I am telling you that you need to book yourself in for a massage at least once every month or every second month. Massage therapists have been trained to get in nice and deep within your muscles and restore them. If you really want something magical, try a sports massage. It can be quite sore at first and you might feel a little sore the next day but 48 hours after that your muscles will love you for it.

4. EXERCISE

It is very important to exercise throughout your life, especially since as you get older, as the elasticity of your muscle fibres deteriorate. Strength training in particular helps the muscle to be stronger so that when you do decide to try kick a ball, the fibres are more forgiving.